Lauren Halpern
•8/29/2026
COLLIER COUNTY — The Golden Gate Titans had something to prove heading into week two, and they did just that despite a rainy night on the field.
The Titans hosted Island Coast in our Tailgate of the Week, with both teams looking to bounce back after tough opening week losses.
Golden Gate came in fresh off a 41-20 loss, while Island Coast had fallen 41-6 the week before.
Head Coach Nick Bigica said his team was locked in heading into the matchup.
"Our kids are really excited. Had a great week of practice. We were able to get out with the weather and everything and we're excited for this one," Bigica said.
The Titans wasted no time getting on the board, taking it on the ground for a touchdown and converting the kick to go up 7-0 halfway through the first quarter.
Golden Gate's defense then forced a fumble, giving the offense the ball back and the momentum to keep rolling.
"It's just trying to take that energy and put it into the other side of the ball," Bigica said.
The offense answered with a passing touchdown, making it 14-0 with a minute left in the first quarter.
Island Coast fought back, recovering an onside kick and returning it for a touchdown, but the extra point hit the goalpost, keeping the score at 14-6.
Golden Gate responded with a long touchdown pass to push the lead to 21-6 with 10 minutes left before halftime.
The Titans never looked back, going on to win 41-12 and earning their first win of the season.
Bigica said the plan coming in was straightforward.
"We got to eliminate the mistakes first and foremost and then secondly just continue to play as a team. And we're going to get better and hopefully come up with a victory," Bigica said.
Golden Gate beat Island Coast 29-6 in the same matchup last season.
